The first day of the second Annual Drukpa Council commenced with the conclusion of the Avalokiteshvara Drubpa. The Avalokiteshvara Drubpa, a complicated 8-day (almost 150 hours) puja, is historically performed by monks. However, on this occasion, 800 Drukpa nuns from all over the world successfully and beautifully completed the Avalokiteshvara Drubpa.

800 nuns in the conclusion of the Drubpa

By 8am, all the Drukpa monastic leaders, distinguished guests, sangha members and friends gathered for the traditional ceremonial procession escorting His Holiness the Gyalwang Drukpa and all the Drukpa masters to the opening ceremony. The opening ceremony kicked off with the Tashi Gyepa prayer at the Chenrezig statute followed by the historic inauguration and consecration of the Buddha Amitabha and Kunkhyen Pema Karpo monuments which tower over 4 stories tall. Then, a helicopter showered the area surrounding the Buddha Amitabha and the 4th Gyalwang Drukpa Kunkhyen Pema Karpo monument with over 50 kg of marigold flower petals.

Aerial view of Druk Amitabha Mountain

Buddha Amitabha and Kunkhyen Pema Karpo

His Holiness the Gyalwang Drukpa, Kyabje Drukpa Choegon Rinpoche Tenzin Chokyi Gyatso, Kyabje Gyeltshen Rinpoche and Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo delivered keynote addresses to an audience of over 3,000 participants from around the world in the Naro Assembly Hall. Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo noted how delighted she was to see a sea of women in the crowd. His Holiness the Gyalwang Drukpa reminded us of this year’s theme “Respect and Appreciate with Love and Understanding” and encouraged the participants to enjoy the second Annual Drukpa Council since the best way to develop compassion is to enjoy and appreciate our lives and maintain a sense a humor. His Holiness the Gyalwang Drukpa also emphasized the importance of laughter in developing compassion.

Procession begins

Prayer for world peace

The evening concluded with a colorful culture show celebrating the Drukpa Lineage and displaying the diversity of Drukpa followers around the world. Performances included a Sherpa dance by members of the Sengdrak Committee in Nepal, an unique and vibrant kung fu showcase by the nuns, a fan dance by Malaysian Sangha, live music and dance from our brothers and sisters in Garsha, a traditional Bhutanese dance and song and an interpretative umbrella dance by sangha members from Hong Kong.